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墨書 Inktalez
After finishing their meal, they strolled through the streets, admiring the bustling scenery of Shanghai. The Bund International Architecture sparkled brilliantly under the lights, while the Huangpu River flowed gently, reflecting a myriad of colorful lights. Everyone was captivated by the view, lost in the moment, and enjoyed an incredibly happy day.
The next day, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, softly illuminating the earth as if bestowing a warm golden hue upon the journey ahead. After settling Lin Dongzhe comfortably at National Chiao Tung University, he wore a broad smile and walked with a lightness in his step, as if dancing to a rhythm. He eagerly headed towards the Shanghai Theatre Academy with his parents and younger sister, Lin Xiao Yu. Along the way, Lin Xiao Yu flitted about like a lively bird, chattering nonstop. At one moment, she excitedly pointed out the street art flashing by outside the car window, exclaiming, “Mom and Dad, look! That graffiti is so cool! It totally matches our school’s vibe!” Then she counted on her fingers, animatedly sharing stories she had heard about campus antics and stage legends, her eyes sparkling like bright stars, overflowing with curiosity and anticipation for her new school.
As they entered the gates of Shanghai Theatre Academy, a joyful and rich artistic atmosphere enveloped them like an invisible yet captivating net. The vibrant drama posters on the bulletin board caught their attention, while students in training outfits moved gracefully around them, reciting lines or passionately discussing performance details. Laughter and chatter floated through the air like lively musical notes, weaving a unique campus symphony.
Lin Dongzhe took the lead, adjusting his heavy backpack on his shoulder and firmly gripping the straps. He called out, “Mom! Xiao Yu! Stay close to me!” and strode purposefully toward the dormitory. Lin Wufeng and Song Ying followed closely behind, carrying bags filled with daily necessities. Their eyes wandered around the campus as they exchanged compliments about their surroundings.
Along the way, passersby frequently glanced at Lin Xiao Yu, showering her with praise: “This girl is so beautiful! What great poise!” Lin Xiao Yu’s cheeks flushed instantly like ripe apples; she hurriedly hid behind her mother, clutching her shirt’s hem and murmuring shyly, “Mom, they’re all looking at me.” Seeing this, Song Ying smiled indulgently and gently patted Lin Xiao Yu’s hand. “Our Xiao Yu is exceptional; you’ll be the center of attention on stage. Be confident; don’t be afraid.”
Once inside the dormitory, it was all hands on deck. Song Ying quickly tidied up the bedspread with swift movements; as she shook out the sheets with a flourish, they billowed in the air like a cloud of white. While making the bed, she reminded Lin Xiao Yu: “Sweetheart, be as close to your roommate as sisters. Keep your personal items organized; don’t hoard your training outfits—change them often! We can’t have you being messy; got it?” Meanwhile, Lin Wufeng rolled up his sleeves and meticulously wiped down the desks and chairs. After each wipe, he leaned in to check for cleanliness before forcefully opening and closing cabinet doors to ensure everything was secure. “This cabinet needs to be reliable; it’s not safe to leave things lying around,” he said.
Lin Dongzhe neatly arranged his books and notes in one corner of his desk and sorted his stationery into drawers. While busying himself with tasks, he winked at Lin Xiao Yu and advised her: “Sister, if you run into trouble or feel wronged, come to me right away. I’ve got your back.”
After everything was set up, the family wandered around campus together to familiarize themselves with the cafeteria, training rooms, and theater. At every stop, Lin Xiao Yu’s eyes sparkled with dreams and ambitions as if she were a star ready to shine brightly in this land of dreams.
Time slipped away quietly until it was time for goodbyes. At the campus entrance, their parents stood still watching their two children prepare to venture deeper into campus life. Their eyes glistened with unshed tears as waves of reluctance washed over them. Lin Wufeng’s lips trembled slightly as he raised his hand as if to touch his children’s heads but paused mid-air. After a long moment of silence, he finally managed to say: “Lin Dongzhe! Xiao Yu! Make sure to do well at school—eat properly and don’t stay up late. If anything happens, call home.” Song Ying already had tears brimming in her eyes; she reached out repeatedly to smooth down Lin Xiao Yu’s clothes while her voice quivered: “My darlings, I’m going to miss you so much! Take care of yourselves while you’re out there.”
“Don’t worry about us; my brother and I will take care of ourselves,” Lin Xiao Yu replied softly while stepping forward to grasp her mother’s hand tightly, fighting back tears.
Lin Dongzhe stepped forward next and opened his arms for a firm hug from their parents. He patted their backs reassuringly while saying in a muffled voice: “Dad! Mom! Don’t worry; we’ll study hard. Have a safe trip home! If anything comes up at home, remember to let us know.”
Immediately after that, Lin Xiao Yu dove into her mother’s embrace as well. The family held each other tightly as if trying to merge into one another's very essence; all unspoken words were conveyed through that silent hug. After what felt like an eternity they slowly released each other. Lin Dongzhe rubbed his eyes with his sleeve and sniffed before trying to lighten the mood: “Mom and Dad, let’s go! We’ll take you to the train station; we can chat along the way.”
Throughout their journey to the station, everyone made an effort to find lighthearted topics in an attempt to ease the sorrow of parting. Lin Dongzhe talked about various architectural styles on National Chiao Tung University’s campus while Lin Xiao Yu shared her thoughts on future classes; yet beneath their laughter lay an undercurrent of bittersweetness.
When they reached the train station entrance, their parents paused once more to reiterate practical matters and academic tips while their eyes brimmed with concern and hope. Song Ying pulled two thick envelopes from her pocket and handed one each to Lin Dongzhe and Lin Xiao Yu while choking back tears: “Kids… take this money—don’t save it too tightly; eat well when you need to and buy what you want.”
Lin Dongzhe and Lin Xiao Yu waved vigorously as they watched their mother disappear into the crowd before turning back toward their respective campuses with love from home guiding them forward as they embarked on their journey toward fulfilling their dreams.
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